Sue's brother is on a sled on top of ice (assume no friction). Sue is pulling her brother with 15 N of force at a 38 degree angle above the horizontal. Calculate the work done if she pulls him for 50 meters.

Using the equation W = F * d we know work is equal to the force in the same direction as the distance moved. To find the force in the same direction as the distance we must find the horizontal component. To find the x-component we need cos(38), remember to put your calculator in degree mode! Now multipy the answer by the 15N of force to find the magnitude. The force in the direction of the distance travled is then 11.82N. The question gives the distance to be 50m. Plugging our values into the equation gives W = 11.82 * 50 which is 591.0J 

EB
Answered by Emily B. Physics tutor

1889 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

How do you tackle a general mechanics question?


Describe the key difference between a scalar and a vector quantity


Why cant I use the same expression for doppler effect when the source is in motion and when the listener is in motion?


How can I derive the energy of an electron using the electron in a box model?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning